When Jews Do Bad

Is Donald Sterling’s racism worse because he’s a Jew?

By now you have probably read more than you’d ever want to about Donald Sterling, but allow me to make one last observation.

I’m sure many of you cringed when you first read about Sterling’s racist rant. How many of you cringed even more when you read in the press that the L.A. Clippers’ owner is Jewish?

How many of you were relieved that he changed his last name from the very Jewish sounding Tokowitz to the more successful sounding Sterling? As David Suissa writes in the Jewish Journal, “I guess you can say that his name change was good for the Jews.”

That’s all we need, another Jew giving us a bad name.

But why should the actions of someone like Donald Sterling, a man who clearly doesn’t purport to be a poster boy for living a Jewish life, reflect in any way on the Jews? Why do so many of us feel the necessity to repudiate his loathsome comments, as if he has any personal connection to us?

I think our reaction reveals a significant point about the mitzvah of Kiddush Hashem, sanctifying God’s Name, and its opposite, Chillul Hashem, desecrating God’s Name.

The mission of the Jewish People is to be a light unto nations. Bottom line that means our actions are supposed to bring the awareness of God into the world. We are His representatives and we need to make sure that whatever we’re doing, we’re making God look good in the world.

Remember Rabbi Noah Muroff – the rabbi who returned $98,000 that he discovered in a desk he bought for $200 on Craigslist? That made world news; it was a huge Kiddush Hashem since it showed the world the values that Judaism stands for.

Unfortunately we don’t need any reminders about what constitutes Chillul Hashem, desecrating God’s Name. It’s an action that makes God look bad, so to speak. It drives God-awareness from the world.

Donald Sterling’s actions are arguably a Chillul Hashem; it was bad pr for Jews. Even though Sterling, to the best of my knowledge, doesn’t strongly identify himself as a Jew.

That means that every Jew, no matter how distant he is from living a Jewish life and identifying with the Jewish people, has the enormous power to create a Chillul Hashem, and likewise, be a tremendous Kiddush Hashem, a source of good in the world. A Jew remains a Jew his entire life, no matter how far he strays, even if he converts to another religion. It’s an intrinsic part of his spiritual essence. Likewise, a Jew, no matter how far he is from his people, remains an intrinsic part of the Jewish nation, and shares in the mission of the Jewish people, to bring God-consciousness to the world.

This perhaps explains why Maimonides, in codifying the mitzvah of Kiddush Hashem, uses a unique term and writes (emphasis added):

The entire house of Israel are commanded regarding the sanctification of [God's] great name, as [Leviticus 22:32] states: "And I shall be sanctified amidst the children of Israel." Also, they are warned against desecrating [His holy name], as [the above verse] states: "And they shall not desecrate My holy name."

My friend Rabbi Yaakov Palatnik pointed out to me that this is the only place Maimonides uses the phrase “the entire house of Israel” when describing a mitzvah obligation. When it comes to Kiddush Hashem, we are all one family, living under one house. So if Uncle Charlie ends up on the front page news involved in some terrible scandal, even though he hasn’t spoken to the family in years, it’s still an embarrassment for the family.

And if Uncle Charlie were to do a big mitzvah, like return $98,000 and be interviewed on national news, the entire family would be so proud. “That’s our Uncle Charlie.” Even though he hasn’t spoken to the family in years, he’s still part of the family.

The opinions expressed in the comment section are the personal views of the commenters. Comments are moderated, so please keep it civil.

Visitor Comments: 40

(26)
Andrés Rosendo,
June 13, 2014 11:45 PM

Sterling is the only responsible for what Sterling said

Oh right they're all Jews and must all pay the prize for the sins of a few. I can assure you there are many more black antisemites than anti-black Jews.

(25)
Paul,
May 9, 2014 4:42 AM

Comments taken out of context possibly

It seems to me Mr. Sterling was upset because she had a picture taken with a specific black man.

(24)
Phalo,
May 8, 2014 8:50 AM

I am awed by the humility and the frank discussion of the matter. May God keep blessing you.

(23)
Anonymous,
May 7, 2014 4:37 PM

Great!

This is a great article! Thank you so much for posting it!

(22)
Joan Michel,
May 7, 2014 1:34 PM

ABOVE AND BEYOND

Brava Cheryl..... Your grandmother's expression is just what my parents and grandparents and Jewish mothers back through the centuries have said "Is it good for the Jews?" While I'm at it, I have to mention Thomas Cahill's "The Gifts of the Jews," a magnificent beyond-what-you'd-think interpretation of the history of all of us.

(21)
Christopher Moore,
May 7, 2014 10:03 AM

He still has a personal connection to the Jews. We cannot disown him simply because he is unlikable. Jewish peoplehood is eternally binding.

(20)
John Robertson,
May 7, 2014 6:01 AM

He may be born Jewish but his actions are not Jewish.I was born a Goy but try not to act Goyish by observing the Sheva Mitzvot .He needs some help as racists do he has forgotten his roots .He is a poor man where it really counts .

(19)
Sara,
May 7, 2014 4:07 AM

Sad Ending....

Like Mr. Sterling and so many other people, what is done in the dark will come to light. The sad thing about him is he think he has accomplished everything on his own and he did everything for the team. He doesn't see that the team made him money and it is a two way street. I have heard people say God has done nothing for me, I did everything on my own. Seems like that is what he is feeling concerning his team. He think his money can buy anything, even shut up his girl friend only if she had ask. He will go to his grave angry because in the end he will find out that money doesn't buy everything, including silence. He is at the end of his days and it is sad after all he has done, he will be remembered this way.

(18)
Fred,
May 7, 2014 2:32 AM

Sterling was & is an idiot. He was set up for a shake up, to stupid to realise this. As a Jew in the public eye he should have been aware of his surroundings before making any of his idiotic remarks that were taken up by his girl friend for gain. To excuse his action is inexcusable he is a Jew & Jewish enemies will have a field day. Asorry man..

(17)
Cheryl,
May 7, 2014 1:28 AM

Bearing the weight of one's race

I am a black woman and I can say it's such a heavy burden to carry the weight of your entire race's short comings and or stereotypes. I don't judge any race by what one person does. My grandmother would read the newspaper and when she read of a crime would say "Please Lord don't let him be black". She felt it reflected poorly on our entire race. I have come to learn that people are people. There are good and wicked in every race. If a person hates you or rejects you due to your race, they will use any excuse to do so. This realization has freed me to accept people as they come and screen according to deeds not race.

Anonymous,
May 8, 2014 2:37 AM

If only every one thought like you

(16)
Wayne Hankins,
May 7, 2014 1:18 AM

Being a represenative of God

As a non Jew I must say sincerely, God Bless the Jewish people. Your history is an incredible one by any standards. I wish more people of any faith would loudly, confidently say, "I am a represenative of God". Perhaps then a great deal more thought would be given to one's heart and the hearts of others. To me God is a presence without form, unmistakable from the random emotions that dart in and out of our awareness. I know of no human emotion that can so utterly wipe away resentments, complaints, hatreds, doubts and the daily uproars of living as can the calming presence of God's love. This presence I call my Heavenly Parents, so completely does it revive me. This presence has another aspect that is very real to me; it has a willfullness, or if you will allow me, an unrelenting purpose. We also need to be attendees to that purpose. As a once chosen people, the Jewish people more than any people on earth from their history must understand that their history had a cause and a directed purpose. It is a most difficult thing to have awareness of the critical moments in ones life and to make the right choices at those moments. That an entire people had that enormous responsibility given to them by our Creator to become central in His plans of creating on earth, a world of goodness says alot but where is this world of goodness that everyone wants but no one can see? Something went terribly wrong that blocked the will of our Creator from realizing His purpose for mankind. Instead of peace on earth, what do we see? As God's represenatives it is that"something", that all serious people who claim to be God's represenatives must in utmost seriousness find. Don't you think that is true?With all SincerityWayne Hankins

(15)
Kelly Rebekah ben Maimon,
May 7, 2014 1:14 AM

Donald Sterling is a disgrace

You have your point of view Rabbi. As far as I am concerned, Donald Sterling is a disgrace. To harbour such views and speak so obnoxiously, deserves to be highlighted. He brought it on him self and has got only himself to blame. We were all born with free will. I could not care less how many millions he has given away to charity. To speak so horrendously about another human being, results in him bringing judgement on not only himself but on the individual he is directing his vile comments at. It is a negative influence and very dangerous.
One of my Ancestors devised the 13 Principles of Faith, a long time ago. It is still relevant today, as far as I am concerned. Perhaps it would do this fool, some good to read it.
Apologies for the brutal nature of this post, but necessary considering the harm this individual has done. Our purpose is to shine light in this world, not encourage more darkness!
Perhaps this individual will learn the error of his ways and change. We shall see.,

(14)
laura,
May 6, 2014 11:53 PM

ambassador to your people

When you are a minority, you are an ambassador to your people. that is just the way it is, so dress nice, stand up straight and do the right thing, the world is watching. The world is judging all of us by each of us!

(13)
Anonymous,
May 6, 2014 11:29 PM

Misplaced outrage

Why is there outrage over what Tokowitz/Sterling said in private, but no outrage whatsoever that he was openly cheating on his Jewish wife?

(12)
Dina Zeller,
May 6, 2014 5:32 PM

There are many Jews in our community who do not accept theirfellow Jews because of their lot in life. They might be less educated or poorer or have no great family ties. Jewish lawyers yes members in the Aish bamboozle their fellow Jews. I can only imagine what they do to gentiles. They giveall including the righteous Jews a bad name.

(11)
shlomoh,
May 6, 2014 5:29 PM

Sterling's not bad

Sterling is not bad; he made a statement in private to his half black girl friend and it's nobody's business. There are Jews who are worse. Madoff is worse. Sterling has freedom of speech in the United States. If it offends anyone, tuff.

Josh P.,
May 6, 2014 8:59 PM

Re: "If it offends anyone, tuff"

I think you'll find that many great sages (and Hashem Himself) disagree with you here. Is there truly a difference between public and private as far as Hashem is concerned, in a case like this?

I'm not sure if you've studied much of the teachings of the Chofetz Chaim as relates to Shmiras Haloshon, but negative speech, whether public or private, doesn't just offend, it damages the subject, anyone who hears it, and the speaker himself! At the very least, speaking Loshon Hara is a Chillul Hashem, reflecting poorly on Jews in general and the speaker in particular. At the worst, it plants seeds of Sinas Chinam that spread like cancer as the hateful words spread from person to person. Even if you hold that Loshon Hara only applies between Jews, speaking Loshon Hara or Rechilus in public, especially if the subjects are non-Jews, damages our mission in the world and directs unnecessary hatred towards up.

To sum up, a phrase that applies both to Jews and non-Jews alike: If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say it. Society these days, on both the left and the right, seem to have let this proverb fall by the wayside. It's sad, that we're using Hashem's gift of speech in such blatantly harmful ways.

steven kalka,
May 6, 2014 9:28 PM

mixed opinion of donald sterling

I agree that his private comments should be none of our business. However, his record as a slumlord is something he should be judged by.

Jonathan,
May 6, 2014 11:33 PM

Sterling's a bigot

Sterling is clearly a bigot. It makes no difference whether or not he meant his words to go public or not. They did. As such it's a Chillul HaShem.

(10)
Anonymous,
May 6, 2014 3:41 PM

Good & bad in all nations.

There are good and bad people in all races, nationalities, creeds, and religions. We should not be so haughty nor so naive to think that there are no bad Jews out there. There are. But you are correct in what you say, it does reflect poorly and we feel it moreso because of what we are charged with from the Almighty. We all have to just try our best to show by example and pray that we are spared the embarrassment that comes with such a situation. That is why the Almighty gave us so much to carry, to test us constantly as He did in the desert and just as the blacksmith tests the iron in the fire. Can we stand the test of time to do good, loving our neighbor as ourselves, and loving our God with all of our hearts, mind, soul and strength and to walk humbly with the Almighty.That is all that is required of us. Then you are truly a child of God and all will see the goodness in you as you walk through life on this earth.

Ahmed Raza,
May 7, 2014 3:38 AM

Good and Bad in All Nations

I agree with these comments which are based on Realism.

(9)
Zak,
May 6, 2014 3:34 PM

What about Donald's mitzvahs?

He may not be the ideal Jewish man, but we cannot discredit all the good he's done, like the millions of dollars given to charity. Why do private racist thoughts outweigh all the good?

Nechemia Coopersmith,
May 6, 2014 4:37 PM

Very true

Zak, you're absolutely correct. Every mitzvah counts, and ultimately no one but God, who sees all and can measure the worthiness of every act, can judge the value of another human being. The Sages do tell us that one will get reward for every mitzvah we do -- nothing gets lost. The Sages also tell us that Chillul Hashem is one of the worst sins one can commit.

irvin r. harper,
May 6, 2014 5:21 PM

what about donald's mitzvah's?

God judges us by our character not our money., we owe alligence to the torah to represent decency not ineptitude.

Miriam,
May 7, 2014 6:08 AM

donations do show some character

Contributions to charities can also be a function of character, possibly only outweighed by how much public honor one is bribed with to make those donations.

It could also very well be that while many unfortunately harbor private biases, Mr. Sterling is being made an example for all people to rethink their private thoughts, or better censor them. Being made an example of, can transform one's ways for the public good -- it might depend now upon how Mr. Sterling handles himself in the wake of all this publicity.

(8)
Anonymous,
May 6, 2014 3:26 PM

how many times must we emphasize....

Those Jews who say, "me be religious?" no, not me". They are the ones who refuse to put their children into Jewish schools, but when their children steal, and lie , commit crimes and date non-Jews their parents come crying to the Rabbi .At that point it's too late. Jewish values must be taught from DAY ONE. If you don't teach your children to be honest, and loving, (THAT ALSO INCLUDES TELLING A CHILD TO TELL SOMEONE ON THE PHONE "TELL HIM I'M NOT HOME") don't ever expect he will understand why he should not to all the horrible things we hear about.

morris,
May 6, 2014 5:05 PM

really??

the prisons are full of ''frum'' jews who thought they could get away with fraud, embezzlement and other white collar crimes. Almost every shul in my neighborhood (Flatbush) has someone doing time or just returning from a stretch. Don't pinpoint non-frum Jews. We are all responsible.

Anonymous,
May 7, 2014 12:35 AM

you're right, Morris

All those sorry people you spoke about, probably all went to yeshivas. . What happened to this generation? How were these people educated? Is it only in America- specifically in New York(where there is an OVERABUNDANCE of EVERYTHING) ? Is it because so many children are so terribly spoiled? I ask because I don't live in the united states, and the children of the people who live in the country I live in are very different. They are good kids with a solid upbringing. Most don't have televisions, and magazines NEVER come into their home. It's rare to find a child who is so spoiled, because we don't have what you have. So, Morris, what's your answer?

(7)
Richard,
May 6, 2014 3:22 PM

Is Kiddush Hashem selective ?

I agree. However, there is a caveat: when antisemitism is rampant as happened during the Nazis in WW-II. ANY Jew no matter EVEN if he saved German lives (as was the case of many Jews fighting side by side with Germans during the first WW) was that Jew to be equally deported to concentration camps and his good deeds to be ignored. There were many honorable Jews then as always. Why many "goys" did not see Kiddush Hashem then ?. Does Kiddush Hashem works selectively ?

(6)
Anonymous,
May 6, 2014 3:07 PM

reply to your articles

Sterling gave tons of money and help to blacks...and was getting an NAACP award till the newspapers attacked him because he was a JEW just like AL SHARPON is never attacked cause he is a BLACK even though he allegedly caused death of Jews in riots and when he surrounded a store in Harlem demanding bribe to go away(extortion)...he was not punished and not even criticized no one cares what he does! But a rich jew says he personally does not like blacks even though he is GOOD TO THEM(actions speak louder than words) so I guess the SELFHATING jewish reporters and newscasters and owners of newspapers (like NY TIMES)want all Jews to love, marry,live next to, hang with, blacks, Mexicans, and goys or else we are garbage that should be harmed legally and physically and financially.

(5)
Anonymous,
May 6, 2014 2:26 PM

Unarguably

"Donald Sterling’s actions are arguably a Chillul Hashem..."

Unarguably, Rabbi. Unarguably.

Anonymous,
May 6, 2014 4:43 PM

That's the question....

The reason i wrote "arguably" is because i am raising the question: does a Jew who does not clearly and strongly identify with the Jewish people create a Chillul Hashem? when i raised this question at the Shabbat table, it provoked a heated debate. It wasn't obvious to everyone since one can argue that Sterling's actions do not reflect back to the Jewish people, therefore there would be no Chillul Hashem. Turns out that is not the case -- which says a lot about the nature of being a Jew

(4)
Robin Rosenblatt,
May 6, 2014 2:26 PM

Action count not speech

Actions make you a racist not speech

(3)
Anonymous,
May 6, 2014 2:11 PM

Exactly!

I absolutely agree with R. Coopersmith. Sterling's ignorant comments reflect on the whole House of Israel.

(2)
Ilbert Phillips,
May 6, 2014 2:11 PM

Sterling is not a Jew

If we have free will, is it possible to stop being a Jew? Does free will have its limitations when it comes to being a Jew? Does being "chosen" also mean one cannot give up being a Jew? Adolph Hitler was the only major figure in history who said no, once a Jew always a Jew. But who want to use him as a model. The Catholic church during the Inquisition sort of said "no" when it was searching for "secret Jews." But its motive were a little more complicated. I do not want to use the Inquisition as a model in addressing the issue. I think it is time for us Jews to face the fact that one can stop being Jewish, When a person abandons his or her Jewish identify, I for one acknowledge that decision and make clear to the world that free will still exists and one can stop being a Jew. Donald Sterling is such a person.

Anonymous,
May 6, 2014 4:45 PM

once a jew, always a jew

according to Jewish law, one cannot revoke his Jewishness. It is a permanent, spiritual reality that cannot be undone.

(1)
Pinny,
May 6, 2014 1:49 PM

Why mention it?

B"H, I have not heard it mentioned anywhere (but here) that he is a Jew. I would have to say that his "Jewishness" is the very smallest part of what he is. I would say first that he is a male, an American, a caucasian. His Jewishness is an accident of birth and plays no role in the despicable individual he is. Respectfully Rabbi, I must say that I feel it is a mistake to have called it to anyone's attention. The world hates us already, and there is no reason to pour gas on the fire.

Anonymous,
May 6, 2014 4:43 PM

I saw it mentioned in numerous places

and was struck by it

unlisted,
May 6, 2014 11:33 PM

"Accident of birth"? No such thing

There is no such thing as an "accident of birth," or any accident, for that matter. Hashem runs the world. Before he/she is born, a Jewish soul, with Hashem, selects the family into which he/she is born, in order to potentially accomplish the soul correction (tikun) that is necessary.

Since honey is produced by bees, and bees are not a kosher species, how can honey be kosher?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

The Talmud (Bechoros 7b) asks your very question! The Talmud bases this question on the principle that “whatever comes from a non-kosher species is non-kosher, and that which comes from something kosher is kosher.”

So why is bee-honey kosher? Because even though bees bring the nectar into their bodies, the resultant honey is not a 'product' of their bodies. It is stored and broken down in their bodies, but not produced there. (see Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 81:8)

By the way, the Torah (in several places such as Exodus 13:5) praises the Land of Israel as "flowing with milk and honey." But it may surprise you to know that the honey mentioned in the verse is actually referring to date and fig honey (see Rashi there)!

In 1809, a group of 70 disciples of the great Lithuanian sage the Vilna Gaon, arrived in Israel, after traveling via Turkey by horse and wagon. The Vilna Gaon set out for the Holy Land in 1783, but for unknown reasons did not attain his goal. However he inspired his disciples to make the move, and they became pioneers of modern settlement in Israel. (A large contingent of chassidic Jews arrived in Tzfat around the same time.) The leader of the 1809 group, Rabbi Israel of Shklov, settled in Tzfat, and six years later moved to Jerusalem where he founded the modern Ashkenazic community. The early years were fraught with Arab attacks, earthquakes, and a cholera epidemic. Rabbi Israel authored, Pe'at Hashulchan, a digest of the Jewish agricultural laws relating to the Land of Israel. (He had to rewrite the book after the first manuscript was destroyed in a fire.) The location of his grave remained unknown until it was discovered in Tiberias, 125 years after his death. Today, the descendants of that original group are amongst the most prominent families in Jerusalem.

When you experience joy, you feel good because your magnificent brain produces hormones called endorphins. These self-produced chemicals give you happy and joyful feelings.

Research on these biochemicals has proven that the brain-produced hormones enter your blood stream even if you just act joyful, not only when you really are happy. Although the joyful experience is totally imaginary and you know that it didn’t actually happen, when you speak and act as if that imaginary experience did happen, you get a dose of endorphins.

These chemicals are naturally produced by your brain. They are totally free and entirely healthy.

Many people find that this knowledge inspires them to create more joyful moments. It’s not just an abstract idea, but a physical reality.

Occasionally, when I walk into an office, the receptionist greets me rudely. Granted, I came to see someone else, and a receptionist's disposition is immaterial to me. Yet, an unpleasant reception may cast a pall.

A smile costs nothing. Greeting someone with a smile even when one does not feel like smiling is not duplicity. It is simply providing a pleasant atmosphere, such as we might do with flowers or attractive pictures.

As a rule, "How are you?" is not a question to which we expect an answer. However, when someone with whom I have some kind of relationship poses this question, I may respond, "Not all that great. Would you like to listen?" We may then spend a few minutes, in which I unburden myself and invariably begin to feel better. This favor is usually reciprocated, and we are both thus beneficiaries of free psychotherapy.

This, too, complies with the Talmudic requirement to greet a person in a pleasant manner. An exchange of feelings that can alleviate someone's emotional stress is even more pleasant than an exchange of smiles.

It takes so little effort to be a real mentsch.

Today I shall...

try to greet everyone in a pleasant manner, and where appropriate offer a listening ear.

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